Valley Trail Map

The Valley Trail connects all Whistler's neighbourhoods from Function Junction in the south to Emerald in the north, passing through the Village, Upper Village and Creekside as well as other residential areas on the way.

Valley Trail Tips and Etiquette

The Valley Trail is a multi-use network shared by cyclists, walkers, runner, dog walkers and skateboarders. Here’s a few tips for using the trail so all users can enjoy the trail safely.

Keep Right

The Valley trail follows the same rules as the road - Canadian-style! Stay to the right of the yellow centre line.

Keep It Cruisy

Lower the speed to vacation pace so you have plenty of time to stop or change direction if the unexpected happens (like spotting a squirrel).

Pay Attention

Keep an eye out for other users when overtaking, entering, leaving or crossing the trail.

Share the Trail

Give plenty of warning when overtaking other users. Bikes and runners can be pretty quiet, so use your bell or voice to give walkers polite notice you are coming past.

Keep Dogs Leashed

Keeping your pooch on a short leash next to you means they can't wander across the trail unexpectedly - great for their safety and the safety of other users (there’s plenty of great dog parks along the Valley Trail where they can run free). Retractable leashes can be hard to see, so consider a full leash. And please pick up after your pooch - there’s bins and bags placed at handy locations along the trail.

Watch For Bears

Clear the Trail

Pull off to one side if you stop to look at a map or a view so other people can get past.

Summer Routes

Click on the following to see some suggested routes including distances and maps, with ideas on things to see and do along the way. You can also link sections of the Valley Trail with local transit to reduce walking and riding time.

Whistler Village to Rainbow Park

Distance: Approximately 6.4 km return

Just 20 minutes from the Village by bike, Rainbow Park by Alta Lake is a favourite spot for fun in the sun. There is a sandy beach, lots of grassy areas, picnic tables, beach volleyball courts and a floating dock for lounging on after a refreshing swim.

From the Village head to Whistler Golf Club (the entrance is located off Whistler Way, by the Whistler Conference Centre). Take the underpass under the highway then take the Valley Trail path to the right of the clubhouse.

Follow the signs to Rainbow Park, turning left at the River of Golden Dreams. Cruise along this flat section of trail to Rainbow Park, keeping an eye out for people paddling kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards on the River of Golden Dreams along the way.

Fun Fact: As the original site for the historic Rainbow Lodge, visitors have been enjoying the park since the early 1920s when Whistler was just a summer destination (some of the original cabins are still standing)

Set up camp on the grassy area and relax for as long as you like. Enjoy the views across to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, the cool breezes and refreshing lake water

When you’ve had enough sun for the day, jump back on your bike and take the same route back to the Village

Whistler Golf Club Loop

Distance: Approximately 4.3 km loop

A great loop for joggers, runners, walkers, kids and strollers with beautiful scenery. Quiet and serene, you’ll pass golfers perfecting their swing while being surrounded by truly awe-inspiring scenery of white-capped mountain peaks and lush forest.

This loop starts and ends near the Whistler Golf Club clubhouse. The entrance to the Whistler Golf Club is located near the Whistler Conference Centre - take the underpass under the highway to find the clubhouse. Go either north or south on the Valley Trail from here to start the loop.

Things to See: Bears often share the golf course with the golfers so keep a look out on the greens for some of Whistler’s most famous residents. You can also see other wildlife and birds, views of the surrounding mountains, giant cedar trees and whimsical sculptures. Can you spot them all?

Creekside to the Lakes

Starting from Creekside, take a tour of three of Whistler’s beautiful lakes – don’t forget your swimsuit!

From Creekside head south towards the neighbourhood of Bayshores along the Highway. Cross over Highway 99 at the first set of lights and pick up the Valley Trail again on the other side

Follow the Valley Trail to Alpha Lake Park. There’s a great dog park here for your pooch to run around off leash if you’ve brought your four-legged companion, as well as a separate beach, dock and play area for kids

Hop back on the trail and go north towards Nita Lake for your next stop (it's just minutes away!). Check out the Rainbow Trout viewing platform along the way, and wave at the Rocky Mountaineer Climb Train if it goes past

Pop into Nita Lake Lodge for lunch in the restaurant, a coffee in the café or a drink on the lounge patio

Continue along Nita Lake past the famous leaning tree. Keep an ear and an eye out for pika (tiny animals with a shrill call) as you pass through the rocky section at the end of the lake

At the junction with the giant pinecone sculpture turn right to reach Alta Lake via Wayside and Lakeside Park. Further north Lakeside has canoe rentals, tables and BBQs and is a favourite for families

When you’re ready to leave, you can either take the same trail you arrived on or do a loop around the Alta Vista neighbourhood. Adventure Route: If you are feeling adventurous you may wish to circle Alta Lake via the Whistler Golf Club and Rainbow Park (this route includes a section on the road). Which ever way you come, be sure to follow the signs back to Creekside once you arrive at Nita Lake - this route will take you under the highway on the trail

Whistler Village to Meadow Park

Distance: Approximately 8.7 km for the whole loop

There are two different routes to get to Meadow Park Sports Centre, located at Alpine Meadows north of the Village. For a fun loop go out via Lost Lake (unpaved sections) and return to the Village following the River of Golden Dreams. This route can take you past two lakes, a water park, parks and playgrounds with opportunities to swim and play. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it!

Pick up the trail just behind the campground (follow the signs) and you’ll reach the spectacular Nicklaus North Golf Course located next to the glacial-fed Green Lake. Green Lake is the base for Whistler Air - see if you can spot float planes taking off and landing in between the wakeboarders and fishing enthusiasts

Optional Route: Leave from the Village and go via Lost Lake. Follow the Valley Trail through the forest in Lost Lake Park out to Nicklaus North. Note that the trails around Lost Lake are gentle but not paved. Bear that in mind if you are rollerblading or biking

Continue alongside Green Lake then cross Highway 99 at the lights. Pedal beside the highway briefly back to Meadow Park. Stop here for a lunch break and spend time relaxing while the kids tire themselves out at the playground and waterpark

To complete the loop, pedal back to the Village following the River of Golden Dreams. This section of trail passes through the cool green Emerald Forest to Tapley's Neighborhood. To return to the Village one can either pedal up Lorimer Road or take the slightly longer, winding route back beside the Whistler Golf Club

Winter Routes

The Valley Trail in Winter

The Valley Trail remains open year-round and is a wonderful way to experience Whistler's winter wonderland. See frozen lakes, snow-covered trees and views to the distant mountains in their white winter coats.

Snow Clearing and Maintenance

The Resort Municipality of Whistler works to clear and maintain sections close to the Village which may be suitable for walking, running or fat biking. Other sections are groomed for cross country skiing on a regular basis. Please note after heavy snowfalls there may be a delay in clearing the trail and not all sections of the Valley Trail are regularly maintained.

For up-to-date trail conditions and advice check with the Whistler Visitor Centre on arrival.

How to Dress for Winter Walking and Running

Be prepared for winter conditions if you go exploring on the Valley Trail

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, bringing heavy snow or causing ice to form

Layers with warm and waterproof outerlayers are recommended

Sturdy walking shoes or boots with tread suitable for snow are recommended

Traction devices and walking poles are other options for improving grip and balance